Morocco ( DK Eyewitness Travel Guides) by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: arabic

Procession gathering on one of the mechouars at Dar el-Makhzen

MOROCCO REGION BY REGION

Dar Si Said Museum ©

A stone's throw from the Palais Bahia (seepp234-5) is the contemporary Dar Si Said. This delightful palace, now a museum, was built in the late 19th century by Si Said ben Moussa, brother of Ba Ahmed and a vizier of Moulay Abdel Aziz. Consisting of zellij tilework, intricate plasterwork and carved or painted wooden domes, the decoration alone is worth the visit.

THE PALACE

Following Islamic tradition, the palace is enclosed within solid walls and consists of a two-storey central building arranged around courtyards with graceful arcades. It also has an Andalusian garden, with a pavilion and fountain in the centre.

The sumptuous Reception Room on the upper floor is a jewel of Moorish design. The cedar dome and the walls, with zellij tilework and a stuccowork frieze, are a mesmerizing sight.

The room contains a wooden candelabrum, a cedar sofa and benches covered with colourful fabric. From the topmost floor there is a view over the medina and towards the High Atlas.

THE COLLECTIONS

Converted into a museum in 1932, Dar Si Said houses a fine collection of carpets, doors, chests, weapons, ceramics, costume and

jewellery illustrating the skill of the craftsmen of southern Morocco, particularly of the High Atlas, the Tafilalt, the Anti-Atlas, the Souss and the Tensift,

Also on display are a few archaeological pieces and architectural fragments from Fes, The museum's collections are laid out thematically on three levels.

DOORS AND CARRIAGES

Entry to the museum is through an imposing door studded with nails and fitted with locks, A map at the entrance shows the geographical location of the main centres of craft production in southern Morocco.

Arranged along the walls are a cedar chest and some interesting old doors from the region's kasbahs and ksour (fortified villages). These unusual and finely worked

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